Stair Climber - Stair Stepper
Stair steppers are a relatively compact aerobic exercise machine that offer primarily a lower body cardio workout. You can easily read or watch TV while getting your cardio exercise. A note of caution - they can be a bit tricky to negotiate for people with balance problems, at least until you get used to them.
Stair climbing continues to be one of the most natural and beneficial exercises. Because stair climbing exercises and tones the largest muscles in the body, including the buttocks, hips, thighs and calves it provides fast results. The natural stair climbing movement also provides an excellent cadio-respiratory workout.
Exercise steppers (stair climbers) come with either dependent or independent steps, and occasionally with both. Dependent steppers are simpler to use - push one step down and the other automatically comes up. Good choice for beginners, although not as challenging a workout.
Independent steppers requires more co-ordination as both feet are working at once. A bit tricker to get the hang of initially as you need to get a rhythm going. Over the long term they accommodate increasing fitness levels.
The resistance effect - changing the degree of difficulty of the "climb" - is adjusted either manually or with computerized controls. The later is more convenient, but you do pay for the convenience factor. Pumps adjust the non-computerized models and they are often noisier than the computerized models. The computerized versions of exercise steppers enable you to vary the routine easily and some models will estimate calories expended. This may be motivating for you!
Classification:
Cardio
Body Areas Utilized:
Legs, hips, buttock muscles with emphasis on the back of the legs
Quadriceps
Points to consider:
- independent versus dependent stepper action (or both)
- manual versus computerized adjustment for resistance
- strong, durable frame that doesn't tilt or wobble during use
- does it include a heart rate monitor
- variety of programs - hill, heart rate, custom workouts
- quiet operation - hydraulic piston models tend to be nosier
Models to Check Out
StairMaster FreeClimber 4200PT is the latest evolution of state-of-the-art
climbing exercise.
Online Places to Shop for Steppers:
Good buys on remanufactured models.
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